Adam Grant on Climate Change: Rethinking the Path Forward

How do your ideas about "original thinkers" apply to the climate crisis?

Original thinkers thrive on challenging the status quo, and that’s exactly what climate action demands. When I talk about innovation, I emphasize questioning defaults—even well-intentioned ones. For instance, many assume renewable energy adoption is purely a technological hurdle, but originality lies in reimagining systems: How might we redesign incentives for communities to adopt green practices? Or reimagine supply chains to prioritize circular economies? Progress often stalls not for lack of ideas, but because of rigid adherence to outdated frameworks. The climate crisis requires leaders willing to question not just if change is needed, but how we pursue it.

You’ve written about balancing optimism and realism. How does that translate to climate action?

In my work, I argue that blind optimism breeds complacency, while paralyzing pessimism kills momentum. Climate change demands “strategic optimism”—acknowledging the gravity of the crisis while trusting in our capacity to solve it. For example, when I advise organizations, I push them to confront worst-case scenarios without losing sight of agency. This means setting ambitious goals, like net-zero targets, while remaining agile enough to adapt strategies as new data emerges. Progress isn’t linear, but progress is possible when we pair urgency with flexibility.

How might your research on collaboration inform global climate efforts?

The climate crisis is the ultimate team sport. In Think Again, I discuss how diverse perspectives drive better outcomes—a principle that’s critical when addressing a problem this complex. Too often, climate discussions silo experts: scientists, policymakers, and engineers rarely speak the same language. But cross-disciplinary collaboration can unlock solutions. Imagine a room where a climate scientist, a behavioral economist, and a logistics manager co-design carbon-reduction plans for cities. My studies on team dynamics show that psychological safety—where people feel free to voice dissent—is key. Without it, groupthink derails progress.

You’ve explored how emotions drive decisions. How should people channel climate anxiety?

Emotions aren’t the enemy of progress; they’re fuel. But anxiety about climate change often leads to two extremes: avoidance or burnout. In my research on motivation, I’ve found that reframing emotions makes a difference. Instead of asking, “How do I fix this?” reframe the question as, “What can I contribute today?” For some, that’s lobbying for policy changes; for others, it’s reducing personal carbon footprints. The key is to pair emotional urgency with actionable steps. Just as I advocate for “pre-crastination” in productivity—tackling tasks early—addressing climate anxiety means breaking overwhelming problems into manageable parts.

What’s your approach to persuading climate skeptics?

Persuasion begins with curiosity, not combat. In Originals, I emphasize the importance of “disagreeing better”—listening to understand, not to rebut. When someone questions climate science, my instinct isn’t to attack their beliefs but to explore their reasoning. Maybe they distrust institutions or feel economic pressures. Building common ground matters. For instance, I’ve collaborated with conservative leaders who prioritize energy independence over emissions cuts. By framing solar/wind as tools for national security or job creation, we found shared goals. Progress often starts not with converting skeptics, but uniting around overlapping values.

Chat with Adam Grant on HoloDream

Adam Grant’s philosophy reminds us that solving the climate crisis isn’t about perfect answers—it’s about asking better questions, embracing adaptability, and fostering collaboration. If this perspective sparks ideas for your own journey, talk to Adam Grant on HoloDream. Ask him how to apply strategic optimism to your organization, or dive into his strategies for navigating disagreement. The path forward begins with a conversation.